Pride and Prejudice - Chapter 11
Гордость и предубеждение - Глава 11
Mrs. Bennet was furious with Elizabeth for refusing Mr. Collins. She could not understand why her daughter would throw away such an opportunity.
Отвергнутый Элизабет, мистер Коллинз быстро делает предложение лучшей подруге Элизабет, Шарлотте Лукас. Шарлотта, которой 27 лет и которая боится остаться старой девой, соглашается.
"He is a clergyman!" she cried. "He will inherit this estate! You will be secure for the rest of your life!"
Элизабет шокирована и разочарована тем, что ее подруга может выйти замуж ради финансовой безопасности, а не по любви. Их дружба страдает, но они обещают поддерживать связь.
Elizabeth tried to explain her feelings, but her mother would not listen. She insisted that Elizabeth should accept Mr. Collins, and she told Mr. Bennet to force her.
But Mr. Bennet would not intervene. He thought it was ridiculous to expect Elizabeth to marry a man she did not love.
"If your daughter should die," he said to his wife, "it would be a comfort to know that she left your house with an affection for you."
This only made Mrs. Bennet angrier. She threatened to never speak to Elizabeth again, though of course she did not carry out this threat.
Mr. Collins, for his part, was embarrassed by Elizabeth's refusal. He believed that she was just being coy, that women always said no at first.
"Do not worry, Mrs. Bennet," he said. "Miss Elizabeth will change her mind. She is just playing hard to get."
He decided to stay for a few more days, hoping that Elizabeth would come to her senses. But Elizabeth remained firm.
Meanwhile, Mr. Collins turned his attention to Charlotte Lucas. Charlotte was Elizabeth's friend, and she was practical about marriage. She knew that at twenty-seven, she was not likely to receive many more proposals.
When Mr. Collins proposed to Charlotte, she accepted him immediately. Elizabeth was shocked when she heard the news.
"How could you?" she asked her friend. "You do not love him."
Charlotte was calm. "I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only for a comfortable home, and I shall be provided for. Mr. Collins will be able to give me that."
Elizabeth could not understand her friend's decision. But she knew that Charlotte had made her choice, and she must respect it.
The wedding was set for November, and Mr. Collins left to prepare for his marriage. Mrs. Bennet was disappointed that Elizabeth had refused, but she was at least pleased that Charlotte would be well provided for.